Navaho Pass Navaho Peak Hike Washington

We headed east of Snoqualmie Pass to the Teanaways for a great conditioning hike with lots of wildflowers in June. We opted for the Stafford Creek Trail to Navaho Pass. This hike to Navaho Pass is an 11 mile round trip hike with 3,000 ft of elevation gain, once at the pass we headed up to Navaho Peak, an additional mile up with 1200 ft of elevation gain. Our total hike was 13 miles and 4,2000 ft of elevation gain. And there were lots of wildflowers to enjoy along the way. The first four miles are a mixture of gentle climb with a few switchbacks and a more moderate climb.

The trail follows along Stafford Creek for the first four miles.

















There was some water on the trail, but we were able to keep our boots dry.

















At four miles, the Stafford Creek trail joins the Standup Creek Trail. There is a nice area to sit by the creek here before the trail begins to climb a bit steeper on the way up to Navaho Pass.

Lots of wildflowers here near the creek.

About a mile further up the trail, there is a large field filled with wildflowers. Many backpackers set up camp here. From the meadow the trail climbs steeply up to the pass for 1/2 mile or so.

Photo on right, trail up to Navaho Pass, Navaho Peak seen in the far distance.

Getting closer to the pass.

From Navaho Pass, looking down on the trail through the upper meadows.

At Navaho Pass, the Enchantments in the background. We sat here to enjoy the views and our lunch before continuing the steeper climb up to Navaho Peak.

Panorama looking east to south to west from Navaho Pass

Panorama looking west to north to east from Navaho Pass

This side trail to Navaho Peak starts to climb steeply immediately.

Almost to the peak, we only had to cross one small snowfield, I was glad I had my poles.

We all made it to the top!

Panorama from Navaho Peak

Some of the many wildflowers we saw today:

      

Fourth of July Creek to Icicle Ridge Washington hike

 We drove to Leavenworth to get in a high elevation hike with very little snow on the east side of the Cascades this early in the summer. It was a tough hike. 12 mile round trip and 4,370 ft elevation gain. It was a good thing we were out on one of the longest days of the year, because it was slow going for us. Will worth the distance to drive and hike as the views and wildflowers were stunning! The trailhead is right off of Icicle Road about 9.5 miles from Hwy 2. We could see Mount Cashmere the entire hike.

 The trail crosses Fourth of July Creek twice early on, and that is almost the only water available the entire hike. I carried 3 liters of water and drank all of it before the end of the hike. The hike starts climbing early on and keeps climbing for most of the hike. In the first 2 miles of the hike, you climb about 2,000 ft.
Photo to the right, as the trees open up we can see our destination, Icicle Ridge and a large rock formation that once held a fire lookout.

 We would judge how high we were climbing, by where we were compared to Mount Cashmere across the valley.

 It was easy to stop and take lots of short breaks, photographing the numerous wildflowers along the trail. In the far distance, we could see waterfalls coming off the snow melt across the valley.

 About 3.5 miles from the trail head, the trail takes a long traverse before resuming switchbacks. Here we could see the Stuart Range coming into view.

 The trail continues through a burnt out section, our destination, the rock formation beginning to loom ahead.

As the trail goes through open meadows, we found a couple of streams from small springs or snow melt. It felt great to get our heads wet.












After 5.7 miles and 4,100 ft elevation, the trail reaches Icicle Ridge. Turn left and hike 0.2 miles to the next sign.

The sign points to the left, through a patch of snow to reach the old lookout site and the large rock formation.

 There is a foot path for most of the way up the rocks.
























This rocky ledge continues around the far side of the boulder. We sat here to eat our lunch and enjoy the views.

Next photo: looking across to Mount Cashmere and all the way down to Icicle Creek 4,370 ft below

Panorama looking south to west to northwest (Glacier Peak in far distance):

Panorama from Glacier Peak to the north to the east: 

Some of the many wildflowers we saw today: